Few South African Adults Are Serious About Improving Their English

Since LEWB’s inception, the bulk of our clients have been African adults in their early thirties to late fifties. Sadly, I’ve come to realise that the vast majority of adults who aren’t proficient in English but desire to be aren’t willing to put in the effort.

Many adult students sign up, and some even pay the tuition, yet many of them are inconsistent in showing up to class. It’s either “something came up”, “I’m busy with work” or “I don’t have money”. In certain cases, these justifications are indeed valid. However, let's face it, we all instinctively know when someone is prioritising something and when they aren't. LEWB exclusively assists those who are serious about their education, and those who aren't are simply cut off. We state this from the very beginning.

In my experience, observing people’s behaviour alone allows me to determine whether or not they are committed. You see, by listening to what people say, but more importantly, how they say it, one may learn about a person's mindset. A significant portion of African adults in the country have a skewed mindset and, for the most part, remain confined to their comfort zones. Let's examine the five distinct mindset zones.

1. The Comfort Zone
This is a well-known psychological state in which people are at ease and in control of their surroundings, with minimal levels of anxiety and stress. This kind of thinking makes people feel secure, content, and in the driver's seat of their lives. 

The biggest problem with this mindset is that there is no room for growth, leaving people in a state of mediocrity. A large proportion of black South Africans have this mindset; they desire change or growth but are unwilling to put in the work to achieve it.

2. The Unknown Zone 
This is a mindset in which individuals are receptive to change and, as a result, make the initial move toward stepping outside of their comfort zone. In this zone, individuals typically feel uncomfortable, extremely nervous, anxious, and fearful. Therefore, encouragement, support, and reassurance from loved ones are crucial in this zone.

3. The Learning Zone
People with this mindset are open to new discoveries and eager to learn new things. Even in the face of obstacles and challenges, they actively apply what they are learning.
The danger with this mindset, however, is that when individuals encounter obstacles that are beyond their capacity, they quickly give up and revert back to their comfort zone. At LEWB, at least 50% of the adults that enrolled with us had this experience.

4. The Growth Zone
This is a mindset where individuals are developing gradually while demonstrating progress. As more people become aware of their development, they are generally inspired to continue growing. One problem with this zone is that people can become arrogant and believe "they've arrived." Keeping a level head by remembering your humble beginnings can encourage you and keep you from being prideful.

5. The Performance Zone
People In this zone are mentally resilient, mature, and steadfast. They conquer objectives and live their dreams. Moreover, people with this mindset welcome and accept positive criticism.

Which mindset zone do you fall into?